Vegas Weekender: Spring has sprung and Vegas offers outdoor fun

May is the perfect time of the year to enjoy Las Vegas. The weather is balmy, the pools open up and there are plenty of events to attend. It’s that perfect transition time where it’s not too cold, not too hot, but just right. So, whether you’re tableside at Tao or beachside on a blanket, it’s all happening right here in Vegas.

Spring Events

At Mandalay Beach, few things are more relaxing than feeling the sand between your toes and wading in the wave pool. But show up in the evenings and Mandalay Beach turns into a concert venue. On May 22, Grammy Award-winning artists Cypress Hill take the stage to perform hits like “Jump Around,” “Insane in the Brain” and “Rock Superstar.” Beach blankets are allowed but no beach chairs. Show time is at 9 p.m. and tickets are $35.

Rhumbar at the Mirage

On Thursday, join Rhumbar for Puff ‘n’ Pulse, starting at 8 p.m. Sit outside on the patio and enjoy a cocktail with a hand-rolled cigar or hookah as reggae music plays.

Sammy Hagar’s tequila haven, Cabo Wabo Cantina, has Live Rock Star Karaoke every Sunday night. If you feel daring enough to belt out a tune, the Mexican-style bar and restaurant will give you a shot of their Cabo Wabo tequila — as long as you’re at least 21. There are also drink specials available. Festivities start at 9 p.m.

Shows

If you’re in town for a girls weekend or a bachelorette party, you have to visit Chippendales, the ultimate male review. Watch these heartthrob men in their signature Chippendales costumes perform to hit songs like “It’s Raining Men.” Chippendales is playing May 20 – 23 with show times at 8 p.m. There is an extra show at 10:30 p.m. May 21 – 22.

If you enjoy rock bands Styx & Foreigner, then head to Mandalay Bay on Saturday. Styx has had top 10 hits including “Come Sail Away” and “Lady.” Foreigner has had hits including “Urgent” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.” The two bands will be on stage at 8 p.m. with special guest Kansas. Tickets start at $85 plus tax and fees.

Another classic band, Steve Miller Band, rocks out at the pool area of the M Resort on May 21 at 9 p.m. Ticket prices are $39.95 and up.

Cheech and Chong are back! For more than 25 years, comedians Richard “Cheech” Marin and Tommy Chong have been entertaining audiences. The pair stop by the Mirage on their “Cheech & Chong: Get it Legal” tour May 21 – 22. Show time is 10 p.m. both nights and tickets start at $49 plus tax and fees.

See your favorite Teen Idols perform live at the Cannery, May 22. Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits, Mark Lindsay from Paul Revere & the Raiders and Micky Dolenz of the Monkees take the stage. These teen sensations from the ’60s and ’70s will delight audiences and bring back memories of an era gone by. Tickets start at $19.95 plus tax and fees and show time is 8 p.m.

If country is your thing, don’t miss Carrie Underwood at 7:30 p.m. at the Orleans on May 22. Tickets start at $35.

Looking for laughs? Late-night host Craig Ferguson brings his witty banter to the Venetian May 21 – 22 at 9 p.m. ($48 and up) and Tom Papa, of the hit show “The Marriage Ref,” makes audiences laugh at 8 p.m. at the Orleans May 21 – 22. Tickets start at $22.

Nightlife

If you’re starting the weekend early, head to LAX nightclub at the Luxor to see Xzibit perform live on May 19. Xzibit has had such hits as “Paparazzi,” “X” and “What U See is What U Get.” The multi-platinum artist also hosts “Pimp My Ride” on MTV.

See Olympic Athlete Apolo Ohno when he skates into Tao nightclub at the Venetian on May 21 to host the evening. Ohno competed in the 2002, 2006 and 2010 Olympic Games and has won eight Olympic medals for speed skating.